Employees are in high demand for divorce, separation and housing support

The new details* show the growing demand for information and advice, not just mental health advice, when it comes to supporting the overall health and well-being of employees. As such, employers are urged to ensure that they provide employees with access to information and advice on concerns such as legal issues, divorce, childcare, housing, disputes with neighbours, wills and more.

Calls from employees seeking advice from the EAP increased by 25% over the past year. The most common reason employees contacted an EAP about counseling-related issues was surrounding their job (27%). This can include inquiries relating to areas such as employment rights, wage issues, human resource issues, causes of stress in the workplace and employment law. The next most common need for counseling was divorce and separation, which accounted for 22% of counseling calls. Other inquiries included seeking advice on childcare, housing and civil procedures.

“Many employers may be inclined to think of EAPs as being there to provide advice on mental health issues, such as low mood and anxiety,” says David Williams, Head of Risk at Towergate Health & Wellbeing. But counseling is only one aspect of the support that can be provided. There is a growing need for advice and information in other areas, especially on the issues of divorce, separation and housing.

While employees, and employers, may be familiar with the advice that EAPs can provide, they may not be fully aware of the full range of support available within the feature. Areas in which employees can seek guidance via EAP can include consumer disputes, issues between landlords and tenants, wills and wills, inquiries related to automobiles, immigration, aged care, personal injury, and more. Support can include advice and information from trained legal professionals, who can also put the employee in contact with attorneys or other appropriate experts.

By providing access to this support, employers can help employees navigate any problems they may encounter in both work and home life. Service providers are also beginning to include EAPs within broader wellness applications, making them easier for employees to access.

David Williams added: “When companies support their employees in all four pillars of health and well-being – mental, physical, social and financial – they gain a workforce that is happier, healthier, more engaged and feels valued. Taking the problems off their shoulders – with the specific support available within the EAP – is key. Great way to do this.

*According to Towergate Health & Wellbeing